Indulge the dog's passion: How to make a dog toy from a sock

Whether it's because they smell like humans or because they're fuzzy like a squirrel, socks are many dogs' guilty pleasures. Indulge in Fido's obsession by making a dog toy out of a sock. If Fido is a tough chewer, make a toy out of every solo sock fished from the laundry dryer so you have plenty on hand.

This dog toy is washable, so if your pet slobbers a lot or likes to drag toys through the dirt, just stick the toy in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. Use a larger sock and more stuffing for bigger dogs. These toys also are great to make and donate to a local animal shelter.

Materials
- Clean sock
- Plain card stock, at least 8-by-10 inches
- Tailor's chalk
- Scissors
- Fabric pencil
- Sewing machine
- Stuffing
- Thread and needle

1. Place the sock on the card stock. Make sure you can see card stock around the entire sock; if not, rotate the sock or get larger card stock.

2. Draw a straight line just above the sock. Draw a straight line just below the sock. Cut along the lines.

3. Draw a bone shape on the cut-out paper, using the two lines as the straight parts of the bone. Cut out the shape.

4. Turn the sock inside out. Place the "bone" on top of the sock. Trace around the shape.

5. Sew along the traced line using a sewing machine or thread and needle. Leave a 2-inch opening along one side.

6. Cut out the shape 1/4 inch out from the seam. Turn the sock right-side out.

7. Stuff the sock to the desired firmness. Sew closed the 2-inch opening.